Infant accessories



April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD 2,742,651 INFANT ACCESSORIES Filed Oct. 20,1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l Q a liyit a-i F l lif Thomas 6. Ward INVENTOR.

April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD INFANT ACCESSORIES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed001;. 20, 1952 li i Thomas 6. Ward INVENTOR. wad-2: BY ZWW April 24,1956 T. c. WARD INFANT ACCESSORIES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 20, 1952m mm M W 6m 8 S m gm 0 w m Va Y B w April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD 2,742,651

INFANT ACCESSORIES Filed Oct. 20, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INFANTACCESSORIES Thomas C. Ward, Waco, Tex. Application October 20, 1952,Serial No. 315,713

" 2 Claims c1. -98

' This invention relates in general to infant accessories, and morespecifically to means for supporting and restraining infants.

Theprimary object of this invention is to provide a flexible memberwhich may be selectively utilized either in combination with aframe orwith a vehicle interior to provide a suitable bed for a baby.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved supportingframe which may have selectively engaged therewithinterchangeableflexible members whereby'jthe' flexible members in combination with thesupportingframe may form a baby bed, a baby bath, or a baby'seat.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved supportingframe'which includes a pair of spaced end" frames connected together attheir upper ends by longitudinal frame members, the relationship betweenthe end frames and the longitudinal frame members beiiig' such that theend frames are free to pivot with respect to the longitudinal framemembers in outward direction only whereby a rigid supporting frame maybe formedby restraining movement of the end frames away from each other.Another object of this invention is to provide an improved supportingframe which is formed of readily obt'ain'ablej materials and which is ofa relatively simple construction whereby the same is economicallyfeasible.

Another" object of this invention is to provide an improved supportingframe which includes a pair of identical X-shaped' end frames which arepivotally connected to ends of longitudinal frame members, the oppositeends ofthe longitudinal frame members being differently configurat'ed soas'to receive portions of angle members of ther'end franies andfunction. as stops therefor.

LA further object of this invention is to provide an i'mprovedflexiblemember which has secured to the edges thereof" elongated straps, certainof said straps being provided with'retaining elements adapted to bedisposed between adjacent seat cushions and side panels of a vehiclewhereby the flexible member may be utilized as arestraining device forpreventing a baby from rolling off a seat of the vehicle. 7

@These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details (if constructionandoperation as more fully hereinafter described f-and claimed,reference being bad to the accompanyingdrawings forming a part hereof,wherein likenumerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 7Figur'e lis aplan view of a preferred form of flexible member which maybe utilized in combination with either a vehicle interior or a frame forforminga baby bed, the outline and construction of the flexible netmember being clearly'illustrated;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an'interior of a conventional'vehicleand shows the flexible member secured with respect to the front seatthereof to form a baby bed; "Figured-is a fragmentary top plan view ofthe rear of, the. rear seat having associated therewith the flexible,

member of Figure 1 for forming a baby bed, the roof of the vehicle beingbroken away in order to clearly illus-' trate the rear seat and theflexible member;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantiallyupon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of Figure 3 and showsthe manner in which the flexible member is positioned with respect tothe rear seat of the vehicle;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of baby bed'which isformed by a supporting frame which is supporting the flexible member ofFigure 1;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of one upper corner of thesupporting frame and shows the manner in which the upper end of oneframe element of an end frame is pivotally connected to one end of alongitudinal frame member, the longitudinal frame member forming a stopto prevent inward movement of the lower end of the frame element; V i 4Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the joint of Figure 6;

Figure 8"is a perspective view of an opposite end of the longitudinalframe member of Figures 6 and 7 and shows the manner in which it ispivotally connected to a second frame element at the opposite endthereof;

-Figure 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the joint of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional viewtaken substantially-upon the plane indicated by the sectionline 1010 ofFigure 5 and shows the manner in which the flexible member is removablysecured to one of the longitudinal frame members of the supportingframe;

Figure 11 is a perspective view on a reduced scale of the supportingframe of Figure 5, the supporting frame having associated therewith aslightly modified form of flexible member, said modified form offlexible member and said supporting frame combining to formv a babysbath; v

Figure 12 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view takensubstantially through the center of the baby bath of Figure 11 and showsthe arrangement of the same when a pivotally mounted cover is moved intooverlying relation with respect tothe modified form of flexible member;I

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the supporting frame of Figure 5 andshows the same combination with a seat to form a baby seat; and

Figure 14 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing theconnection between a lowerframe member and frame elements of one of theX-shaped end frames, the lower frame member being adapted to havesupported thereon a shelf for use in combination with either the babybath of Figure 11 or the baby seat of Figure 13.

Referring now to Figure l in particular, it will be seen that thereisillustramd the flexible-member, which is a major element of. thisinvention, the flexible member being referred to in general by thereference numeral 10; The flexible member 10 is in/the form of an elon-vgated rectangular piece of flexible material 12 which is provided alongits edges with a border- 14. It should be understood that the flexiblematerial 12 may either be in the form of a net, rubberized or other typewater-. resistant material, or any other suitable material.

In order that the flexible materiallZ may be suitably secured to asuitable support, sides of the border 14 are provided with a pluralityof eyelets .16 which are adapted to have received tl'lerethroughsuitable fasteners to be described in more detail hereafter. The ends ofthe border 14 are also provided with eyelets, the eyelets ,P;:emd A e,24,. 1956 being referred to by the reference numeral 18 and beingportions of snap fasteners.

In order that the flexible member may be suitably mounted within avehicle, in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter, forforming a baby bed, there is provided a plurality of outwardly extendingstraps along one side edge thereof. The straps 20 have secured thereinelongated flexible retaining members 22 which are preferably formed ofsponge rubber or the like. Also extending outwardly from the border 12is a pair of oppositely directed straps 24 which are connected to theborder 14 intermediate the ends thereof, and disposed adjacent the sideto which the straps 20 are connected. Carried by the straps 24 areflexible retaining members 26 which are identical with the retainingmembers 22. In order tofurther facilitate the securing of the flexiblemember 10 within a vehicle, there is extending from one end of theremaining side of the border 14 a short strap 28 which has connectedthereto a suitable L-shaped member 30. The other end of the remainingside of the 1 border 14 is provided with a buckle 32 which hasadjustably connected thereto an elongated strap 34. An outwardlyprojecting end of the elongated strap 34 is pro vided with an L-shapedmember 36 which is identical to the L-shaped member 30.

Referring now to Figure 2 in particular, it can be seen that theflexible member 10 is illustrated as being mounted in overlying relationwith respect to a front seat 38 of a vehicle, which is referred to ingeneral by the reference numeral 40, to form a baby seat. In addition tothe front seat 38, the vehicle 40 also includes a front seat back rest42, a right hand front door 44, and a steering post 46. It will be alsounderstood that the vehicle 40 includes other standard equipment whichwill not be itemized inasmuch as they are not directly associated withthe flexible member 10.

If it is desired to form a baby bed in the front seat of the vehicle 40,the side of the flexible member 10 to which the straps 20 are connectedis passed through the space between the back rest 42 and the seat 38,this space being referred to by the reference numeral 48. Therestraining members 22 pass out through the rear of the space 48 and areinduced to engage the backs of the back rest 42 and the seat 38 toprevent forward movement of the flexible member 10.

One of the straps 24 and its associated restraining member 26 ispositioned adjacent the door 44 and passed downwardly between theassociated edge of the front seat 38 and the interior panel of the doorto retain the associated end of the flexible member 10 in the properposi- 1 tion. The L-shaped strap member is hooked over a window sillportion of the door 44 in order to retain its associated corner of theflexible member 10 in an elevated position. An inner end of theelongated strap 34 is wrapped about the steering column 46 and issecured to the buckle 32 for retaining the other corner of the flexiblemember 10 in an elevated position.

When the flexible member 10 is so positioned within the vehicle 40, ababy may be laid directly upon the flexible material 12 adjacent theback rest 42 and be supported by the front seat 38. In the event thatthe baby should have a tendency to roll off the front edge of the seat38, movement towards that edge will be prevented by the upward slopingof the front portion of the flexible member 10. It will be thereforeseen that a baby may be comfortably rested upon the front seat of thevehicle and at the same time be prevented from accidentally rolling offthe same. In fact, the baby may be rested thereon when the vehicle is inmotion and be prevented from being thrown off the front seat in event ofsudden stopping of the vehicle.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 in particular, it will be seen thatthere is illustrated a rear portion of the vehicle 40 which includes arear seat 50 and an associated back rest 52. The rear seat 50 extendsbetween side panels 54 of the rear portion of the vehicle 40 and isseparated from the back rest 52 by a narrowspace 56. The side panels 54are positioned beneath rear windows 58. When it is desired to utilizethe back seat 50 as a babys bed and at the same time ensure against theaccidental rolling of the baby off the rear seat, the flexible member 10is installed therein. A rear side portion of the flexible member 10 ispassed through the opening 56 between the rear seat 50 and itsassociated back rest 52 with the restraining members 22 associated withthe straps 20 being disposed behind the back rest 52 and the rear of therear seat 50 to prevent forward movement of the rear side of theflexible member 10. Also, the straps 24 and restraining members 26connected to the ends of the flexible material 12 which forms a majorportion of the flexible member 10 are disposed between ends of the rearseat 50 and the side panels 54.

In order that a forward side of the flexible member 10 may be elevatedabove the rear seat 50 to prevent. the accidental rolling of the babyoff the same, the L-shaped straps 30 and 36 are hooked over the edges ofsill portions of the windows 58. It will be understood that the frontside of the flexible member 10 will be pulled taut through the use ofthe elongated strap 34 connected to the L-shaped strap member 36.

Referring now to Figure 5 in particular, -it is seen that the flexiblemember 10 is associated with a supporting frame, which is referred togenerally by the reference numeral 60, to form a portable baby bed. Thesupporting frame includes a pair of spaced parallel, identical X-shapedend frames which are referred to in general by'the reference numeral 62.Each of the end frames 62 is formed by a pair of intersecting,angle-shaped cross sectional frame elements 64 which are pivotallyconnected together intermediate their ends by adjustable fasteners 66.The lower ends of the frame elements 64 are provided with suitablecastors 68 to permit the baby bed to be easily moved from one place toanother. 7

Extended between and pivotally secured to the uppe ends of the frameelements 64 are longitudinal frame members 70. The longitudinal framemembers 70 are also angle-shaped in cross section and are adapted tohave connected thereto sides of the flexible member 10. In order thatthe end frames 62 may not move outwardly with respect to each other,they are connected together by a flexible strap 72 which is secured tothe end frames intermediate the ends.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 in particular, it will be seen thatthere is illustrated a connection between one end of one of thelongitudinal framemembers 70 and an upper end of one of the frameelements 64 of a firstone of the end frames 62. It will be noted thatthe longitudinal frame member 70 includes a generally horizontal flange74 and a generally vertical flange 76. It will also be noted that theframe element 64 includes a longitudinally directed flange 78 and atransversely directed flange 80.

The upper portion of the longitudinally directed flange is pivotallyconnected to an upper corner portion of the vertical flange 76 by asuitable pivot pin 82. In order that the flanges 78 and 76 may be soconnected, the horizontal flange 74 is provided with an elongatedcut-out 84, one end thereof adjacent the vertical flange 76. The flange78 passes through the cut-out 84 to provide an interlocking of thelongitudinal frame member 70'with the upper end of the frame element 64.y

In order that the end frame 62 may be prevented from swinging inwardlypast a vertical position, the end of the flange 74 associated with theabove-mentioned frame element 64 is so proportioned as to abuttransversely ex tending flange 80 thereof. It will be seen that theframe element 64 may have its lower end pivoted outwardly-with respectto. the longitudinal frame member 70, but not inwardly.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 7 in particular, it'will be seen that theupper ends. of the. armaments. of. each end frame 62 are'preventedfromswingingapart a distance further than that illustrated in.Fig'ure 5by a flexible strap 85. The flexible strap provided-witha clip 86 oneach end which is pivotally connectedtoan upper portion of an associatedframe. element by a suitable fastener 88. The fastener 88removably-secured:v to the transversely extending flange lill 1 I Y ,Itwill be also noted that provided at'sll td intervals on the flexiblestrap 85 is a plurality of malesnap ,elements, 90. The male snapelements 9flaarefadapt'ed to engage wtih the eyelets 18 f theflexiblementber ,10 for securingthe same in place with. respect to thesupporting frame-60. p r L,

Referring now to Figures 8 and--9 inparticulan; it is seen that theupper end of a frame elementfl-of theiother of the end frames 62 ispivotally connected; toptheopposite end of the longitudinal frame member70 which is illustratedinFigures 6 and 7. The end of the longitudinalframe 78 of the frame element 64 is pivotally connected to an uppercorner'portiomofi awertical flange 76 of the longitudinal frame member70 by a suitable pivot pin 92. Inasmuch as the transvcrselyextendingflange 80 of the frame element 64 is positioned inwardly of the end ofthe longitudinal frame member 70. In order to provide clearance forth'e"sam'e, an end portion of the flange'74 is cut away short of theendiof the flange 76. Asis'best viewed in Figure 9', it is 'seenthat thelength of the portion removed from the end of: the flang'e 74 is equalto the width of theframe element 64. .Ihe; relationship between thelongitudinal frame member 70. and the frame element 64 is such that theframe element 64 is restrained from further pivoting about the pivot-pin92 after thesame abuts the cut end of theflange 74 andis in asubstantially vertical position. I

I It will be noted that theupper ends 'of theframe element 64' of thesecond end frame 62 are also connected together by a strap 85' whichIir'nits movement of the upper ends of the frame elements'away from eachother.

Referring nowto Figure in particular, it will be seen that thehorizontal flange 74 of the longitudinal. frame member {70 is providedat spaced intervals with-a plurality of fasteners 94. Each of thefasteners 94 is threadedly engaged in an internally threaded bore 96formed in the horizontal flange 74. The fastener 94 has receivedthereover an associated eyelet 16 of the flexible material 12 and servesto support the flexible material with respect to the supporting frame60.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12 in particular, it will be seen thatthere is illustrated a babys bath, which is referred to in general byreference numeral 98, the baby's bath comprising the supporting frame 60in combination with a modified form of flexible member which is referredto by the reference numeral 100. The modified form of flexible member100 is provided along its sides with a plurality of eyelets 102 adaptedto engage fasteners 94 of the suporting frame 60, and along its endswith a plurality of eyelets 104 which are halves of snap fasteners andadapted to engage with the corresponding halves of snap fasteners 90carried by the flexible straps 85. The flexible member 100 is formed ofrubberized or other types of water resistant materials. I

Referring now to Figure 12 in particular, it is seen that a frontportion of the flexible member 100 is reversely folded upon itself anddepends downwardly below a front longitudinal frame member 70. Theextreme edge portion of the flexible member 100 is reversely foldedupwardly to form a plurality of pockets which are referred to by thereference numeral 106. It will be understood that the pockets are formedby a plurality of fasteners 107 which secure the extreme forward edge ofthe flexible member to an associated portion. It will be noted also thatthe pocket forming portion of the flexible member 100 is ofv alwidthless than thewidth of an adjacent. portion thereof. 1 ,It will alsobe-noted that a central part of the rear portion of the flexiblemember1'00 isreversely folded upon itself and extends transversely of.the supporting frame 60 and is-secured to an opposite longitudinal framemember 70 thereof. This portion is referred to by the reference numeral108 and overlies the central portion of the flexible member 100 inspaced vertical relation thereto to form a baby support; :It will benotedthat the folded part of the portion 108 passes under the rearlongitudinal framemember 70, as is best illustrated in Figure 12.

Pivotally connected to an upper portion of each rear frame element 64 ofthe end frames 62 by a suitable fastener 110 is a sleeve 112. Slidablymounted in each sleeve 112 is an L-shaped'rod 114 which has end portionsthereof connected to longitudinally extending supportlnrernbers 116.Extending between and secured to the longitudinally extending supportmembers 116 is-a cover-118.

'Itwill be noted that the cover and its associated elementsareintendedto normally be disposed at the "rear of the supporting frame 60 and inparallel relation tothe rear frame element 64 thereof when the baby bathis being used. However, when the baby bath is not being used, the cover118 and its supporting elements arepivot'ed and slid to the positionillustrated in Figure 12 whereby the cover 118 overlies the otherelements of the baby bath -98. Referring now to Figures 13 and 14 inparticular, it will be seen that extending between the end frames 62 andsupported thereby is a lower frame member 120. The lower frame memberincludes a horizontal flange 124 and a vertical flange 122. The ends ofeach of the flanges 1 22 and 124 are provided with notches 126'and 128,respectively, which receive intermediate portions of the frame element64. It will be noted that the ends of the lower frame member aredisposed immediately above the intersections of the frame elements 64and" are supported thereby.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 13 in particular, it isseen-'thatjoverlying the lower frame member 120 and supported thereby isan elongated rectangular shelf 1 30. The shelf is removably secured tothe horizontal flange 124 of the lower frame member 120 by clips 132which are pivotally connected to the flange 124 and overlie the shelf130.

It will be noted that in Figure 13, which illustrates a baby seat, whichis referred to in general by the refer ence numeral 134, the shelf isintended to form a foot rest and has a forward edge thereof supported bya strap 136. The strap 136 has an upper end thereof connected to a frontlongitudinal frame member 70 and a lower end thereof adjustablyconnected to a buckle 138 carried by the shelf 130.

It will be understood that the baby seat 134 includes the supportingframe 60 and a flexible seat member which is referred to in general bythe reference numeral 140. The flexible seat member 140 is formed of anopen top rectangular receptacle and is provided at its top edges witheyelets 142. The eyelets 142 are engaged with fasteners 94 carried bythe longitudinal frame members 70 and the flexible seat member 140retained in position. In order that a child may be suitably seatedwithin the flexible seat member 140, a front side thereof is providedwith a pair of leg receiving openings 144.

In view of the foregoing, it is seen that by providing a kit containinga relatively few elements, a possessor of the kit may selectively form acar bed, a portable bed, a baby bath, and a baby seat, the baby bath andbaby seat also being portable. It will also be understood that all ofthe elements of the assembly may be easily knocked down or foldedwhereby the assembly may be stored in a relatively small space.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will bereadily understood and further explanation is believed to beunnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to'those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction shown and described, andaccordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A supporting frame for a baby support comprising a pair of spacedvertically disposed transverse X-shaped end frames, longitudinal framemembers, each of said end frames being formed of a pair, of L-shapedcross section end frame members pivotally connected togetherintermediate their ends in back to back relation, each of said end framemembers including a transversely disposed flange and a longitudinallydisposed flange, said longitudinal frame members extending between upperends of said end frame members, each of said longitudinal frame membersbeing L-shaped in cross section and including an inwardly directedflange and an outwardly directed flange, each end of said outwardlydirected flange being pivotally connected to an upper end of thelongitudinally disposed flange of one of said end frame members in faceto face engagement therewith, ends of said inwardly directed flangebeing in abutting engagement with upper portions of the transverseflanges of associated end frame members to limit pivoting of lower endsof said end frames towards each other, means connecting said end framesto limit pivoting away from each other, one end of said inwardlydirected flange terminating short of an adjacent end of said outwardlydirected flange to provide clearance for the associated one of said endframe members, the opposite end of said inwardly directed flange beingprovided with a notch for receiving the longitudinal flange of anassociated one of said end frame members.

2. A supporting frame for a baby support comprising a pair of spacedvertically disposed transverse X-shaped end frames, longitudinal framemembers, each of said end frames being formed of a pair of L-shapedcross section end frame members pivotally connected togetherintermediate their ends in back to back relation, each of said end framemembers including a transversely disposed flange and a longitudinallydisposed flange, said longitudinal frame members extending between upperends of said end framemembers, each of said longitudinal frame'memb'ers'being L-shaped in cross section and including aninwardlydirected flange and an outwardly directed flange, each end ofsaid outwardly directed flange being pivotally connected to an upper endof the longitudinally disposed flange of-one of said end frame membersin face to face engagement therewith, ends of said inwardly directedflange being in abutting engagement with upper portions of thetransverse flanges of associated end frame members to limit pivoting oflower ends of said end frames towards each other, means connecting saidend frames to limit pivoting away from each other, one end of saidinwardly directed flange terminating short of an adjacent end of saidoutwardly directed flange to provide clearance for the associated one ofsaid end frame members, the opposite end-of said inwardly directedflange being provided with anotch for receiving the longitudinal flangeof an associated one of said end frame members, said end frame membersbeing identical and said longitudinal frame members being identical.

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